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Barrichello switching to IndyCarUPDATE #9 This rumor maintains its 'fact' rating today. A Brazilian newspaper is reporting that Formula One veteran Rubens Barrichello has reached a deal with a sponsor that will allow him to race in IndyCar this season.

The Estado de S. Paulo newspaper, one of Brazil’s largest, said Tuesday that Barrichello will get support from Brasil Maquinas, a company which rents heavy construction equipment. It already sponsors a local stock car team.

An official announcement that Barrichello will be joining KV Racing Technology is reportedly scheduled for Thursday.

The 39-year-old Brazilian tested for KV Racing recently after losing his F1 drive job with the Williams team.

Estado said Brasil Maquinas will likely spend nearly $3 million to sponsor Barrichello. The company had already been trying to help him maintain his F1 spot. Yahoo Sports/AP

02/26/12 Rubens Barrichello said, in a Q and A session at Infineon Raceway Saturday where he was testing, that he should know in less than two weeks if he has a ride with KV Racing for 2012.

02/16/12

Rubens Barrichello - Goodbye F1, Hello IndyCar

Rubens Barrichello will announce his imminent career plans at the start of next month, GPUpdate.net reports. The Brazilian is on the verge of signing an IndyCar contract, having been left on the Formula 1 sidelines by Williams.

After being replaced at Williams by compatriot Bruno Senna, Barrichello tested a KV Racing IndyCar at Sebring alongside foster brother Tony Kanaan. The Paulista, who turns 40 in May, is now expected to confirm his future in the sport at the start of March.

“It would have to be at the beginning of March,” he told GPUpdate.net when asked at what stage an IndyCar race announcement should be expected.

“I went to the test with no expectations, really. I really wanted to test the car, have fun and give the team the best ideas for the future. We had a good thing going on and at the end of the test they asked me if I wanted to take part in the championship. I always enjoy being with my family but, honestly, I am eager to get back in a racing car; I like the team and they are on their way up.”

Admitting that not being at the opening F1 pre-season test in Jerez was ‘very strange’, Barrichello insists that there is no ill-feeling between himself and Senna.

“As I told Bruno, we were not fighting each other but fighting the team to give us the place,” he continued. “I talked to Bruno and I wish him all the best.”

Barrichello also praises his fans, notably those on Twitter where personal follower numbers are fast approaching one and a half million.

02/15/12 According to this Fox News report from Brazil, Barrichello has signed with KV Racing.

02/13/12Rubens Barrichello apparently is more than on his way to IndyCar. He has another test scheduled. KV Racing Technology has plans to have the former Formula One star and EJ Viso drive a car at a test next week at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. (Feb. 25-26). Tony Kanaan will test at Texas Motor Speedway (Feb. 21).

KV team manager Mark Johnson said today that while the organization doesn’t have all its funding in place for Barrichello’s car, he expects the program to come together. “It’s like we did last year with Tony,” he said of the way Kanaan’s program was pieced together. "We all sat around a table and said, 'You in? You in? You in?' And we made it happen."

Kanaan said his longtime Brazilian friend wants to become an IndyCar driver, and barring a snag he’ll become one. Indy Star

02/10/12 We are hearing that Barrichello is very close to announcing an IndyCar deal to drive the No. 5 KV Racing entry for 2012. We hear it will include all the road and street course events plus the Indy 500.

02/08/12(GMM) Rubens Barrichello is set to decide next week whether he will switch from formula one to the IndyCar series for 2012.

F1's longest-serving veteran has been left without a race seat this season, but he recently enjoyed an Indy test with the KV team, in which his close friend Tony Kanaan is involved.

"There is a lot going on, we have spoken with many people and there are things to be resolved, including the family aspect," the 39-year-old told radio Bandeirantes on Tuesday.

"There is great anticipation and if everything goes well I think we can make the announcement of the decision early next week," added Barrichello.

"I'm sure anyone who knows me can see in my eyes what I want. The first race is March 25 and there is no time to waste.

"If we want to be in a competitive way, everything has to be right and that means sponsorship, team, family -- everything."

Barrichello's first F1 team boss, however - Eddie Jordan - has urged the likeable Brazilian to forego the IndyCar opportunity.

"I love Rubens -- our story began when he was only 19," the Irishman is quoted by Globo.

"I love his family, his parents, and I think he should retire with dignity."

Barrichello's contemporary David Coulthard, however, said: "I wish him luck in the United States. We had a great relationship throughout my career and I know how passionate he is about racing."

But fellow Brazilian Emerson Fittipaldi warned of the dangers of American oval racing.

"Today, Indy is different to when I drove -- the risk is higher but it is a risk that he knows he will need to take.

"Still, I think he can have fun doing what he likes," said the former series, F1 and Indy 500 winner.

Rubens Barrichello

01/30/12UPDATE (GMM) Rubens Barrichello is not yet writing off his formula one career, but we here at AR1.com think a return is unlikely and have added him to our 2012 IndyCar Silly Season page.

But the veteran Brazilian, who has lost his Williams race seat on the eve of his 20th consecutive season, has admitted he might emerge on the 2012 IndyCar grid.

Regarding F1, he told Brazil's Jornal Nacional: "If it happens, it will be a great thing.

"If not, I had the feeling for nineteen years. If you're asking 'Do I want it to happen" then I do! Because it was always my life. So formula one is still open."

More likely is a switch to America's premier open wheel series IndyCar, with his countryman Tony Kanaan lining up a test this week at Sebring.

"I'm doing it with my mind wide open. If I can get the passion with that car that I have always had when I am driving, then why not? I love racing."

He revealed that the owners of the KV team will be at the Sebring test, "which is not normal".

But is he forgetting his promise to his wife Silvana, that he will not race on America's dangerous ovals?

"It's true and it's an important issue to be resolved," said Barrichello.

"But before I think about it, first I have to know the car. There is always the possibility of running the season but not the ones on the ovals."

If it was up to his young sons, Barrichello said he would sign an IndyCar contract straight away.

"They are jumping for joy at the idea of seeing their father keep racing," he smiled. "If it was just about them then I would be there."

At the same time, it is obvious F1 remains Barrichello's first choice.

"The dream of competing in my twentieth season is still very much alive. You never know," he insisted.

"Sometimes things change for all sorts of reasons and someone calls up your speed and experience. Kimi Raikkonen and Michael Schumacher came back, so there's no reason I could not as well.

"The reason I am not staying with Williams is not about the driving.

"Frank called me personally and began by saying they had decided to sign another driver. It is known that Williams is having difficulties with their budget and they had to choose an option more in line with their needs.

"That's understandable," he said.

A happy Barrichello gets his IndyCar seat fitting

"Bruno (Senna) called me and he was almost upset so I told him to stop it, we're friends. I wished him all the best. I said that my dispute was with Williams, not with him.

"Let's see how they (Senna and Pastor Maldonado) go with the problem of being inexperienced and developing the car, but in his favor the engineers have told me they will have a better car than I had last year.

01/25/12UPDATE The Associated Press is reporting that F1 driver Rubens Barrichello will try out an IndyCar during series pre-season testing at Sebring International Raceway next Monday and Tuesday.

Quoting an anonymous source who was "familiar with the plan", the AP report linked Barrichello to a test run in a new-specification DW12 IndyCar on the Florida short road course with the KV Racing team.

Barrichello's good friend Tony Kanaan already competes for KV Racing, and last week tweeted a picture of his new Chevrolet-powered race car to Barrichello with the attached comment: "It's ready for you my friend. Come on in!"

Barrichello looks set to miss out on making the starting grid for the 2012 F1 season after his former team Williams F1 decided to recruit Bruno Senna as his replacement, putting an end to a record 19 consecutive seasons in Grand Prix racing totaling 326 races for six teams making him the most experienced driver in F1 history.

Barrichello had earlier tweeted that his future "is wide open", but it looked certain that IndyCar was definitely not going to feature in any plans that emerged.

"For sure I will not race on the American ovals," Barrichello was quoted as saying last week. "I have promised that to my wife, and I will honor it."

However that does not entirely rule out the popular Brazilian driver signing up for a road-and-street-course-only season, as another former F1 driver Sebastien Bourdais did last year.

01/25/12 The most experienced driver in Formula One history is going to test an IndyCar next week in Sebring, Fla. but it’s not known whether or not Rubens Barrichello is serious about a full-time ride in the 2012 IZOD INDYCAR series.

SPEED.com reports that the 40-year-old Brazilian is driving one of KV Racing Technology’s cars alongside countryman and good friend Tony Kanaan next Tuesday and Wednesday in Florida.

Co-owner Jimmy Vasser, team manager Mark Johnson and Kanaan could not be reached for comment but Barrichello’s debut in an IndyCar was confirmed by a source close to the Indy-based team.

A 19-year veteran of Formula One with 322 starts, 11 wins and a pair of runner-up finishes in the World Championship, Barrichello was not retained by Frank Williams following the 2011 season.

02/28/12 A Brazilian newspaper is reporting that Formula One veteran Rubens Barrichello has reached a deal with a sponsor that will allow him to race in IndyCar this season.

The Estado de S. Paulo newspaper, one of Brazil’s largest, said Tuesday that Barrichello will get support from Brasil Maquinas, a company which rents heavy construction equipment. It already sponsors a local stock car team.

An official announcement that Barrichello will be joining KV Racing Technology is reportedly scheduled for Thursday. zzzz

The 39-year-old Brazilian tested for KV Racing recently after losing his F1 drive job with the Williams team.

Estado said Brasil Maquinas will likely spend nearly $3 million to sponsor Barrichello. The company had already been trying to help him maintain his F1 spot.

02/26/12 Rubens Barrichello said, in a Q and A session at Infineon Raceway Saturday where he was testing, that he should know in less than two weeks if he has a ride with KV Racing for 2012.

02/16/12

Rubens Barrichello - Goodbye F1, Hello IndyCar

Rubens Barrichello will announce his imminent career plans at the start of next month, GPUpdate.net reports. The Brazilian is on the verge of signing an IndyCar contract, having been left on the Formula 1 sidelines by Williams.

After being replaced at Williams by compatriot Bruno Senna, Barrichello tested a KV Racing IndyCar at Sebring alongside foster brother Tony Kanaan. The Paulista, who turns 40 in May, is now expected to confirm his future in the sport at the start of March.

“It would have to be at the beginning of March,” he told GPUpdate.net when asked at what stage an IndyCar race announcement should be expected.

“I went to the test with no expectations, really. I really wanted to test the car, have fun and give the team the best ideas for the future. We had a good thing going on and at the end of the test they asked me if I wanted to take part in the championship. I always enjoy being with my family but, honestly, I am eager to get back in a racing car; I like the team and they are on their way up.”

Admitting that not being at the opening F1 pre-season test in Jerez was ‘very strange’, Barrichello insists that there is no ill-feeling between himself and Senna.

“As I told Bruno, we were not fighting each other but fighting the team to give us the place,” he continued. “I talked to Bruno and I wish him all the best.”

Barrichello also praises his fans, notably those on Twitter where personal follower numbers are fast approaching one and a half million.

02/15/12 According to this Fox News report from Brazil, Barrichello has signed with KV Racing.

02/13/12Rubens Barrichello apparently is more than on his way to IndyCar. He has another test scheduled. KV Racing Technology has plans to have the former Formula One star and EJ Viso drive a car at a test next week at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. (Feb. 25-26). Tony Kanaan will test at Texas Motor Speedway (Feb. 21).

KV team manager Mark Johnson said today that while the organization doesn’t have all its funding in place for Barrichello’s car, he expects the program to come together. “It’s like we did last year with Tony,” he said of the way Kanaan’s program was pieced together. "We all sat around a table and said, 'You in? You in? You in?' And we made it happen."

Kanaan said his longtime Brazilian friend wants to become an IndyCar driver, and barring a snag he’ll become one. Indy Star

02/10/12 We are hearing that Barrichello is very close to announcing an IndyCar deal to drive the No. 5 KV Racing entry for 2012. We hear it will include all the road and street course events plus the Indy 500.

02/08/12(GMM) Rubens Barrichello is set to decide next week whether he will switch from formula one to the IndyCar series for 2012.

F1's longest-serving veteran has been left without a race seat this season, but he recently enjoyed an Indy test with the KV team, in which his close friend Tony Kanaan is involved.

"There is a lot going on, we have spoken with many people and there are things to be resolved, including the family aspect," the 39-year-old told radio Bandeirantes on Tuesday.

"There is great anticipation and if everything goes well I think we can make the announcement of the decision early next week," added Barrichello.

"I'm sure anyone who knows me can see in my eyes what I want. The first race is March 25 and there is no time to waste.

"If we want to be in a competitive way, everything has to be right and that means sponsorship, team, family -- everything."

Barrichello's first F1 team boss, however - Eddie Jordan - has urged the likeable Brazilian to forego the IndyCar opportunity.

"I love Rubens -- our story began when he was only 19," the Irishman is quoted by Globo.

"I love his family, his parents, and I think he should retire with dignity."

Barrichello's contemporary David Coulthard, however, said: "I wish him luck in the United States. We had a great relationship throughout my career and I know how passionate he is about racing."

But fellow Brazilian Emerson Fittipaldi warned of the dangers of American oval racing.

"Today, Indy is different to when I drove -- the risk is higher but it is a risk that he knows he will need to take.

"Still, I think he can have fun doing what he likes," said the former series, F1 and Indy 500 winner.

Rubens Barrichello

01/30/12UPDATE (GMM) Rubens Barrichello is not yet writing off his formula one career, but we here at AR1.com think a return is unlikely and have added him to our 2012 IndyCar Silly Season page.

But the veteran Brazilian, who has lost his Williams race seat on the eve of his 20th consecutive season, has admitted he might emerge on the 2012 IndyCar grid.

Regarding F1, he told Brazil's Jornal Nacional: "If it happens, it will be a great thing.

"If not, I had the feeling for nineteen years. If you're asking 'Do I want it to happen" then I do! Because it was always my life. So formula one is still open."

More likely is a switch to America's premier open wheel series IndyCar, with his countryman Tony Kanaan lining up a test this week at Sebring.

"I'm doing it with my mind wide open. If I can get the passion with that car that I have always had when I am driving, then why not? I love racing."

He revealed that the owners of the KV team will be at the Sebring test, "which is not normal".

But is he forgetting his promise to his wife Silvana, that he will not race on America's dangerous ovals?

"It's true and it's an important issue to be resolved," said Barrichello.

"But before I think about it, first I have to know the car. There is always the possibility of running the season but not the ones on the ovals."

If it was up to his young sons, Barrichello said he would sign an IndyCar contract straight away.

"They are jumping for joy at the idea of seeing their father keep racing," he smiled. "If it was just about them then I would be there."

At the same time, it is obvious F1 remains Barrichello's first choice.

"The dream of competing in my twentieth season is still very much alive. You never know," he insisted.

"Sometimes things change for all sorts of reasons and someone calls up your speed and experience. Kimi Raikkonen and Michael Schumacher came back, so there's no reason I could not as well.

"The reason I am not staying with Williams is not about the driving.

"Frank called me personally and began by saying they had decided to sign another driver. It is known that Williams is having difficulties with their budget and they had to choose an option more in line with their needs.

"That's understandable," he said.

A happy Barrichello gets his IndyCar seat fitting

"Bruno (Senna) called me and he was almost upset so I told him to stop it, we're friends. I wished him all the best. I said that my dispute was with Williams, not with him.

"Let's see how they (Senna and Pastor Maldonado) go with the problem of being inexperienced and developing the car, but in his favor the engineers have told me they will have a better car than I had last year.

01/25/12UPDATE The Associated Press is reporting that F1 driver Rubens Barrichello will try out an IndyCar during series pre-season testing at Sebring International Raceway next Monday and Tuesday.

Quoting an anonymous source who was "familiar with the plan", the AP report linked Barrichello to a test run in a new-specification DW12 IndyCar on the Florida short road course with the KV Racing team.

Barrichello's good friend Tony Kanaan already competes for KV Racing, and last week tweeted a picture of his new Chevrolet-powered race car to Barrichello with the attached comment: "It's ready for you my friend. Come on in!"

Barrichello looks set to miss out on making the starting grid for the 2012 F1 season after his former team Williams F1 decided to recruit Bruno Senna as his replacement, putting an end to a record 19 consecutive seasons in Grand Prix racing totaling 326 races for six teams making him the most experienced driver in F1 history.

Barrichello had earlier tweeted that his future "is wide open", but it looked certain that IndyCar was definitely not going to feature in any plans that emerged.

"For sure I will not race on the American ovals," Barrichello was quoted as saying last week. "I have promised that to my wife, and I will honor it."

However that does not entirely rule out the popular Brazilian driver signing up for a road-and-street-course-only season, as another former F1 driver Sebastien Bourdais did last year.

01/25/12 The most experienced driver in Formula One history is going to test an IndyCar next week in Sebring, Fla. but it’s not known whether or not Rubens Barrichello is serious about a full-time ride in the 2012 IZOD INDYCAR series.

SPEED.com reports that the 40-year-old Brazilian is driving one of KV Racing Technology’s cars alongside countryman and good friend Tony Kanaan next Tuesday and Wednesday in Florida.

Co-owner Jimmy Vasser, team manager Mark Johnson and Kanaan could not be reached for comment but Barrichello’s debut in an IndyCar was confirmed by a source close to the Indy-based team.

A 19-year veteran of Formula One with 322 starts, 11 wins and a pair of runner-up finishes in the World Championship, Barrichello was not retained by Frank Williams following the 2011 season.

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